MILAN - Wing Marko Stanojevic ran in two first-half tries as Italy laboured to a 36-12 win over Japan in a World Cup warm-up match in the Alpine town of St. Vincent.
The Azzurri started well and were 22 points up after as many minutes thanks to Stanojevic'sscores, a try by fellow wing Kaine Robertson and the boot of fullback David Bortolussi.
There was an injury scare for Italy in the 27th minute when Ramiro Pez came off clutching his shoulder. The first five-eighths will undergo tests but the Azzurri staff said the knock did not seem serious.
Tries in either half by prop Tatsukichi Nishiura and flanker Hare Makiri revived the Brave Blossoms' confidence and knocked the home side off their stride.
They never really regained it, although prop Andrea Lo Cicero and flanker Mauro Bergamasco scored tries, converted by Bortolussi, in the last quarter.
Earlier on Saturday, Italy dropped Fabio Staibano from their World Cup squad because of fitness problems, just days after the prop was called in to replace injured lock Carlo Del Fava.
The Italian Rugby Federation said on its website that Staibano's replacement would be announced in the next few days.
